As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the defense of labor rights for migrant fishers in Taiwan’s distantwater fleet, FOSPIPMFU has focused on consolidating its internal structures and expanding its reach within fishing communities.

Regular in-person meetings were held with union members and leaders to discuss the transition to a new representative voting system. These sessions allowed the team to collaboratively shape the updated union by-laws and define the most effective strategies to ensure that fishers—many of whom spend months at sea—can maintain meaningful representation within the union.

 

Between January and May, FOSPIPMFU carried out extensive outreach across its 12 community affiliates. These visits were essential for identifying potential worker leaders and introducing the new governance model. The process culminated in May, when the union held its first election under the representative system, resulting in the selection of 15 worker representatives and 6 alternates.

 

In parallel, the team initiated work to strengthen the union’s long-term sustainability. This included ongoing collaboration with civil society organizations and legal experts to explore alternative visa pathways for migrant  worker leaders. The objective is to secure “white collar” visas that would allow key organizers to remain in Taiwan beyond the strict term limits imposed on “blue collar” migrant fishers. One case is already in progress, with updates expected soon, and a second candidate has been identified for potential follow-up.

 

These activities have laid the groundwork for the next steps in FOSPIPMFU’s organizing strategy.

 

The union continues to consolidate information gathered from community meetings and legal consultations, while also developing the tools and structures needed to advance migrant fishers’ rights—such as fair wages, improved working conditions, mandatory Wi-Fi access at sea, and the elimination of worker-paid recruitment fees.

 

FOSPIPMFU is powered by migrant fishers committed to collective action and mutual support, working to build a stronger and more just future for their communities in Taiwan and beyond.